livinginthe past

Its interesting watching the double standards at play when it comes to Butler and Tate.

I'm not going to try and convince anybody that these guys have had fantatsic starts to their career but the way they constantly are ripped astounds me.

Tate 'can't get seperation', 'can't run routes' and is 'only a kick returner'.

Butler 'can't cover anybody', 'gives up huge cushions' and 'doesn't make plays on the ball'.

So on one hand we are expecting Tate to abuse opposing DB's on a regular basis (because those guys are obviously allowed to suck) - and yet Butler should be a shut down CB not allowing WR's a sniff of the ball.

Its gotten to the stage where good performance from one of their positional peers is used as a stick to beat them with (see Taylor Price and Devin McCourty).

Its not like we are even expecting either guy to be a starter - probably WR#5 and CB#4 - for those roles they are young, cheap and still have upside.

blackglass3

Doesn't matter...the Patsfans FU Crew have moved on from bashing Meriweather and are aiming their hate at Butler and Tate. Reason and logic be damned.

randomk1

Ummm..yeah...that tends to be a problem when that's exactly what you're supposed to be doing or not doing.

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Three out of Four. Back-to-back.

livinginthe past

Those 'quotes' were fans perceptions, not actual quantifiable reality.

Just some examples of the overstated hyperbole alot of fans indulge themselves in.

randomk1

C'mon are you saying those perceptions aren't true?

These guys were 41/83 overall and are entering their 3rd seasons.

I would really like to see them show something this year but i doubt it.

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Three out of Four. Back-to-back.

ausbacker

I wish I could share your sentiment. One gets the feeling that 2011 may be the make or break season for both players.

The more quality players the Patriots have the better for the Patriots. I'd very much like for them to both show their best abilities on a consistent basis.

livinginthe past

There are busts all over the draft every year - I think Tate is on a healthier career curve right now.

It depends what you expect them to show you - at least Tates contribution can be statistically quantified - Butlers; not so easily.

What you are going to get it is people jumping all over Butler as soon as some other teams WR makes a couple of receptions against him (ie that receiver doing his job).

Tate is very versatile, he's shown some real flashes in the end around - has made some highlight reel catches - he just needs to add some consistency.

As it happens I feel we are very deep in both of their positions - WR and DB.

Tate is probably sitting at WR#5 right now - if the other guys play as projected its going to be hard for him to break out huge stats.

Versatility and flexibility is going to be his calling card.

livinginthe past

Agreed, actually.

The Patriots are a consistently elite team - they aren't going to stay there by carrying passengers.

Both guys do need to step up and improve this year - the standard around them is improving by the day - if they want to get new contracts.

However, the lower ceiling of expectations for both should see them able to fulfill their predicted roles on the team (WR#5 and CB#4).

Their is alot of talent ahead of them - thats a good thing, not a bad thing.

Fencer

Butler's UPSIDE on the Pats right now looks like CB #4. That's disappointing for where he was picked.

Tate is viewed a bit unfairly because, as the speed guy, he was the best hope to directly replace Moss. That said, he hasn't show much reason to keep his job.

Being almost good enough to be a quality NFL player is a heck of an athletic accomplishment, but it's not going to win you much respect on a message board. (I think I'm one of the few people who ever gives those props.)

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"To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness." -- Oscar Wilde

ausbacker

I agree which is why the Patriots remain ahead of the curve, competition for spots. The reality is if you're no good or don't fit the system, you are moved on.

Butler strikes me as the type of player that's got way too much going on in his head hurting his ability on the field. It would be interesting to see him play instinctive football (just to see what he's like).

Tate, well I've made my opinion on him and the Patriots well known. There's no need for repeat histrionics.